Jefferson students learn about birds of prey; rehab program gets matching foundation grant

Midland Daily News

Published
8:18 am EDT, Friday, June 15, 2018

A Barred Owl named Boo teaches students how camouflage works. (photo provided)

A Barred Owl named Boo teaches students how camouflage works. (photo provided)

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A Barred Owl named Boo teaches students how camouflage works. (photo provided)

A Barred Owl named Boo teaches students how camouflage works. (photo provided)

Jefferson students learn about birds of prey; rehab program gets matching foundation grant

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Jefferson Middle School students were awed recently by close-up looks at some of Michigan's native birds of prey brought in by Wildlife Recovery Association. They learned firsthand some of the adaptations, languag and other behaviors of the owls and falcons presented. The presentation includes predator/prey relationships, the science of flight, special adaptations, communication and other science concepts and vocabulary.

Joe Rogers, biologist for the organization, uses his knowledge from more than 35 years of raptor studies in the field, as well as many years of library research to help students understand and appreciate the natural history of these birds of prey. Barb Rogers, former science and art teacher, and Joe's assistant in raptor studies, supports his presentation with her understanding of students, art, middle school science, and raptor rehabilitation. The owls and falcons used to enhance learning are ambassadors of the wild - birds that, due to prior injuries, cannot be released, but serve to educate students and the public about the needs of the wild species they represent.

Wildlife Recovery Association makes live Michigan Birds of Prey presentations available to schools in the Midland area, as well as other counties in Michigan. The presentations, supported by The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, are now available to be scheduled for fall. Programs are also offered to family events, university students, and adults. For more information on scheduling a presentation, call (989) 772-1538, or visit wildliferecovery.org

This year, The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation will match new funding donated to Wildlife Recovery Association from individuals, businesses and foundations. The foundation awarded to WRA an outright amount of $70,000 in 2017 to fund its programs in 2018. The foundation will award an additional outright amount of $35,000 with up to an additional $35,000 with a dollar for dollar match to be contributed to the group towards its programs in 2019, and will honor the same schedule of foundation support for the year 2020. This schedule of funding has been granted as an incentive to promote growth and fund-raising by the organization. The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation will potentially contribute a total of $210,000 to WRA through outright and matching funds over a three-year period.

The Rogerses said they are honored to receive this pledge of support and encouragement.